The Damaging Cost of “It’s Not My Job!”
By Damien Parker | September 17, 2014
That damaging statement is muttered many times in just about every business and its impact on costs and lost productivity are staggering! Rework, lost opportunity and disgruntled customers and staff are but the tip of the ice-berg.
Let’s drill down on this issue using a funny photo which was doing the rounds of the internet a number of years ago.No question about it, there is likely two different job functions here and quite possibly responsibilities for highway road-kill maintenance and highway line marking are undertaken by completely different companies.
But, the problem maker here is our line marker.What was s/he thinking? And therein rests the root of the problem which also applies in your business.
Is this scenario one of “I just don’t care” – in which case we are dealing with a serious attitude issue.
Or is it “I didn’t know I had to remove the rodent” or “I wasn’t told I had to remove the rodent” – in which case we have serious training and management supervision issues.
Maybe, it’s a case of a poorly designed job description for our line marker.
Whatever it is, management IS involved.
What is in no doubt is the huge cost in re-engaging another line marking crew to come out and patch up this error.
Bottom Line: Whenever you hear ‘it’s not my job” at your business, stop and immediately clarify the issue. Why not confront this issue head on by holding a “It’s not my job” week where everyone is requested to write down scenarios where they believe they have been involved in a confusion over job roles and responsibilities.
Here’s to more sales, profits and cash from your business,
Damien Parker
Business Improvement Specialist
www.salesprofitscash.com
Follow my Tweets: @salesprofitcash
Topics: Increasing Productivity/Reducing Costs | No Comments »